Gas-Powered Leaf Blower Ban Takes Effect in Montgomery County, Prompting Pushback and Practical Concerns

July 27, 2025 by: Justin Linn

Montgomery County’s ban on gas-powered leaf blowers officially went into effect July 1. The ban on gas-powered leaf blowers is aiming to reduce noise pollution and improve air quality. While county officials highlight the environmental and health benefits, some residents are pushing back, arguing the ban infringes on personal freedom and practical needs.

Critic Warns of Battery Waste, Grid Overload, and Worker Injury

One of the most vocal opponents is Leroy Haas, an 81-year-old longtime Brinklow resident, who submitted a written testimony to the County Council expressing his strong opposition. Haas emphasized the usefulness of gas leaf blowers for maintaining his two-acre property, particularly in managing leaves and light snow.

“When I purchased a Stihl handheld gas leaf blower, I felt like I had ‘died and gone to heaven.’ This leaf blower was such an incredible help in clearing light snow on our 150-foot driveway and clearing and picking up leaves in the fall.”

He warned against what he sees as government overreach, urging the Council to respect residents’ rights to choose how to maintain their properties.

“I strongly urge the Council to fairly look at the ‘overreach’… robbing county residents of the simple rights we should have as free agents, having the power to think and choose how we live our lives.” 

Haas also raised concerns about the unintended consequences of the ban, including environmental impacts associated with electric equipment. “Just imagine a Council that could be elected that could ban electric mowers, electric cars, electric leaf blowers… because of the tremendous overload on our electric grid, the toxins put into our environment as a direct result of wrongfully discarded batteries, added pollution from gas generators needed to recharge batteries, and the problem of increased shoulder and back problems that landscapers will develop as a direct result of the added 11–13 lbs. to electric leaf blower backpacks.”

He challenged the Council members to experience the physical demands firsthand. “It would be instructive for all of the Council members to strap one of the 35+ lb. electric leaf blowers on their back and work for just four hours blowing leaves, and then, I am willing to bet, this outrageous overreach by the Council would be dropped in an instant.”

Monitoring the Impact and Next Steps County to Track Outcomes and Remain Open to Policy Adjustments

County officials remain committed to the ban, pointing to public health data showing that gas-powered blowers emit pollutants comparable to driving a car hundreds of miles in just one hour of use. The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) offers rebates of up to $1,500 to help landscaping businesses transition to electric equipment, alongside educational resources online.

How the Ban Will Be Enforced

Residents can report violations via a new online complaint portal or by calling 311, with fines starting at $500 for the first offense. The county emphasizes education and outreach will lead enforcement efforts in the initial months.

As the ban enters this critical enforcement phase, county leaders say they will monitor impacts on air quality, noise complaints, and worker safety. The leaders say they are open to making adjustments on the ban based on feedback.

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